Democrat Christie Vilsack has raised $424,339 since April for a potential bid for Congress, according to her exploratory campaign.

Vilsack is taking the first steps toward running against U.S. Rep. Steve King, a western Iowa Republican elected to Congress in 2002.

King has not yet released his fundraising totals for the quarter.

This spring, Vilsack moved to Ames then met with Iowans in all 39 of the counties in the newly-drawn 4th Congressional District during a “listening tour.”

In a news release today, Vilsack said she was inspired by people who took time to share their support and their ideas about “how we can build a campaign together that is true to the Iowa values we hold dear.”

She said she is still considering whether to run.

“I am so proud of Iowa’s small towns, the legacy and strength of our communities, and I’m energized by the Iowans across the district who also believe that a better vision for Iowa means protecting our promises to seniors and veterans, creating jobs and making sure that the future is bright for our children and grandchildren.”